What to do when Aunt Flow hits the town?

Menstruation is the most natural process of a woman's body that requires a lot of self care and caution. Making sure you maintain proper hygiene during your periods, drinking a lot of water and eating right is key to reducing inconveniences you face during this time.

Looking back at Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May 2018), here are a few tips to stay healthy and hygienic during your monthly blues.

CHANGING SANITARY NAPKINS EVERY 4-6 HOURS

One of the fundamental rules of wearing sanitary napkins is to change it every four to six hours to maintain vaginal hygiene. Various organisms in the body are attracted to the release of menstrual blood. Combined with the warmth of the discharge, urinary tract infections, rashes and irritation are possible.

PROPER WAY TO WASH

After removing your napkin, remember to wash properly. Most women do wash themselves, but beware the wrong way—use your hands in the direction from the top to the bottom and not the other way around, as it can lead to the transmission of bacteria from the anus into the vagina or the urethra causing infections.

FORGET ABOUT SOAP OR VAGINAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Like many other parts of the body, the vagina also has a self-cleaning mechanism which plays a key role during that time of the month. It is best to refrain from using these products too much as they disrupt the natural process and that could lead to infections and growth of bacteria. Also, avoid soap and wash the area with water and keep the place as dry as possible in general.

DISCARDING SANITARY NAPKINS

Make sure to wrap them up properly before discarding them. NEVER flush a used napkin as this could block the toilet. And always wash your hands after wrapping and throwing away the napkin since it is likely that your hands came in contact with the stained areas.

ALWAYS USE ONE METHOD OF SANITATION

During heavy flows, women tend to use two napkins simultaneously, which although is an efficient technique and keeps you dry, and prevents stained clothes, it can lead to infections. Since the blood is being absorbed, it makes you forget to change the sanitary napkin, and accumulation of the blood can lead to possible growth of bacteria and infection. It is best to change your napkin as frequently as possible during heavy flows instead of using two at a time.

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